Biofilms Formed by Isolates from Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Patients Are Heterogeneous and Insensitive to Fluconazole

Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2017 Aug 24;61(9):e01065-17. doi: 10.1128/AAC.01065-17. Print 2017 Sep.

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a global health problem affecting ∼75% of women at least once in their lifetime. Here we examined the epidemiology of VVC in a patient cohort to identify the causative organisms associated with VVC. Biofilm-forming capacity and antifungal sensitivity profiles were also assessed. We report a shifting prevalence of Candida species with heterogeneous biofilm-forming capacity, which is associated with altered antifungal drug sensitivity.

Keywords: Candida; biofilm; fluconazole; vulvovaginal candidiasis.

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biofilms / drug effects*
  • Biofilms / growth & development
  • Candida albicans / drug effects*
  • Candida albicans / isolation & purification
  • Candida glabrata / drug effects
  • Candida glabrata / isolation & purification
  • Candida parapsilosis / drug effects
  • Candida parapsilosis / isolation & purification
  • Candida tropicalis / drug effects
  • Candida tropicalis / isolation & purification
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / drug therapy*
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / epidemiology
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / microbiology*
  • Drug Resistance, Fungal
  • Female
  • Fluconazole / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Vaginal Smears

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Fluconazole